Bilek seeks Swiss inspiration against Spain

GRANADA - Coach Michal Bilek will look to emulate Switzerland's shock World Cup win over Spain when his Czech Republic team take on the champions in a Euro 2012 qualifier on Friday.

Published

24 March 2011

The unfancied Swiss scored a 1-0 victory over eventual world champions Spain in a Group H opener in Durban last June and Bilek told a news conference on Thursday that his side were capable of causing another upset in Granada.

"They (Spain) have suffered some defeats recently and they have weaknesses," said the Czech coach.

"The Swiss knew how to defend, scored a goal and won the match. That can happen tomorrow."

The Czechs are second in Group I with six points from three matches, behind leaders Spain on a perfect nine.

Spain's form since their first World Cup triumph in South Africa has been patchy and they lost friendlies to Argentina and Portugal in September and November respectively.

They also had a scare in October's Euro 2012 qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow, surrendering a two-goal lead before snatching a 3-2 win thanks to a late Fernando Llorente strike.

Bilek included newcomers Libor Kozak and Tomas Vaclik in his squad for Friday's match and the qualifier at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday as the Czechs aim to bounce back from a 4-2 friendly defeat by Croatia last month.

Forward Kozak has been in decent form for Lazio this season while goalkeeper Vaclik plays in the Czech second division for Viktoria Zizkov.

Bilek also selected David Lafata, who has hit two hat-tricks for FK Jablonec in their three league matches since the winter break, and the experienced Milan Baros returns having last featured in September in the surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Group I rivals Lithuania.

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky has a chance to avenge last month's Champions League defeat by Barcelona who have six players in the Spain squad.

"I can't say it's extra motivation for me," said Rosicky. "It is a huge game for us, for the whole team.

"Spain are the favourites, no doubt about that, but we didn't come here to lose and we will fight."

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